1 Corinthians 6:17
With new life in Christ, we become united with the Lord.
What does that mean?
It means our desires change.
It means our actions become more Christ-like.
It means our very selves are conformed to His image.
We are one with the Lord in Spirit. We begin to want what He wants and live to glorify Him.
It does not mean our temptations are removed.
The greatest struggle of following Christ in this fallen world is that the lure of sin remains but our hearts can no longer yearn for and engage in those things that break God's heart without breaking our hearts as well. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more sensitive we become to the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit, the same voice that empowers us to choose the life-giving, selfless way of Christ.
I don't know about you, but if I'm honest with myself and God, I don't always want to be like Jesus. Sometimes, my flesh just wants to stick up for myself, to say what's on my mind, to take the best portion for myself, to demand attention and praise. I have been known to pray, "Lord, I don't want to do the right thing, so please give me the desire to do Your will."
And there it is, friends! That prayer is a "help, Lord." That prayer acknowledges that He is the Lord of my life and that He has the power to change me. I say this not to magnify myself in any way, but to demonstrate the very point I'm trying to make: that anything good, any transformation, any trace of new life or desire or prayer to request the desire to do what honors God - all that is His power in me and in you.
When we decide to follow Christ, the Holy Spirit begins that transforming work in our lives immediately. We can do a lot in our own power to fix ourselves up externally, but only Almighty God can truly make us new from the inside out. He deserves all the glory and praise for this new life. He deserves the fruit of His sacrifice on the cross - children of God who become more and more like Jesus Christ every day.
May you know the power that raised Christ from the dead and gives new life to you.
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That last phrase is so key - the power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power available to us today. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Amazing, isn't it!?!
DeleteHis desire for each of us is to have fellowship with Him :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a good God!
DeleteYes, our urge to sin and temptations are there... God is good and this is a great reminder to press in to Him!
ReplyDeleteEven though we're still in our imperfect, fallen bodies, He wants us to have abundant, victorious life in the here and now!
DeleteThe Bible says all good things come from Him, so just meditating on that is so powerful because it's His Grace, mercy and love that both transforms and upholds us.
ReplyDeleteIt also reminds me that when I see good in creation then I'm seeing the good in YHWH. I am called to meditate on that because once again it reminds me of the goodness of the Father. :)
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Beautiful reminder of what does and does not occur when the Holy Spirit enters into our souls. Thank you for this message, Faith!
ReplyDelete